Abstract: Systems and methods for generating, distributing, redeeming, tracking, reporting digital and/or otherwise managing digital coupons. Digital coupons digitally associated and/or linked to consumer digital identifications and/or retail checkout digital identification to facilitate management.

Abstract: This invention describes an efficient super-resolution method for image enhancement that leverages prior knowledge about the specific task for which detail information is recovered. The particular case of barcode scanning is considered. The barcode localization and decoding algorithm of the present invention employs a subpixel-accurate search algorithm which allows for estimating barcode bit values at a higher resolution than that available in the image data itself. It thus allows for the synthesis of image detail from multiple frames with the result containing more detail than any of the input frames. For efficiency, it leverages special properties of the quadrilateral target object as well as prior knowledge about constant patterns in the barcodes of interest. This allows for real-time software implementations on portable devices such as camera-equipped cell phones where super-resolution helps to overcome some of the typical camera resolution and processing power constraints.

Abstract: The present invention enables users to instantly purchase desired items with their mobile device (e.g., cell phone/PDA) while viewing services such as the Home Shopping Network, QVC, etc. on television or the Internet (using a PC). When the service displays a product on-screen, a barcode would also be displayed associated with the product being sold. To purchase the item, the user utilizes a camera-equipped mobile device to scan the on-screen barcode. The barcode information and user information is then sent to the vendor's server where it is processed. The preexisting transaction system is used to complete the user's transaction. Once the transaction has been complete, the vendor's server sends a confirmation message to the mobile device.

Abstract: In some embodiments, methods for providing information associated with a barcode are provided. The methods including receiving barcode information and a user identifier from a mobile device; sending the barcode information to at least one content provider; receiving content information related to the barcode information from at least one of the at least one content provider; retrieving layout information from a database based on the user identifier; aggregating the received content information to form aggregated content information, wherein the layout of the aggregated content information is based on the retrieved layout information; and sending the aggregated content information to the mobile device. In some embodiments, methods for obtaining information associated with a barcode are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of systems capable of managing the interaction between vendors and end users. To use the system, a user first scans any common barcode using a mobile device. The barcode information along with a user identification number is then sent to a server. The server uses the user identification number to look up the user's preferred vendors and content providers. The manufacturer code from the barcode is also looked up in a vendor database. Once the preferences have been determined, this information is sent to each vendor and content provider which returns information, a list of options, and/or other content. This information is then aggregated into a WAP page by the server and transmitted to the mobile device. The user utilizes the mobile device to select a content provider or vendor.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then computes the mean pixel intensity value of a row of pixels in the image. The row is divided into sections and the mean pixel intensity of each section is also calculated. The pixels in each section are processed according to the relation of the relative mean intensities of the row and the section. Once each pixel has been processed, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then computes the mean pixel intensity value of a row of pixels in the image. The row is divided into sections and the mean pixel intensity of each section is also calculated. The pixels in each section are processed according to the relation of the relative mean intensities of the row and the section. Once each pixel has been processed, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for decoding barcodes using mobile device. Generally, the barcode image is acquired via a digital camera attached to the mobile device. After the barcode image has been acquired, software located on the mobile device enhances the barcode image and subsequently decodes the barcode information. The barcode information is then transmitted to a server via a wireless network. The server processes the barcode information and transmits media content related to the barcode back to the mobile device.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then computes the mean pixel intensity value of a row of pixels in the image. The row is divided into sections and the mean pixel intensity of each section is also calculated. The pixels in each section are processed according to the relation of the relative mean intensities of the row and the section. Once each pixel has been processed, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.